A library of things

As book borrowing declines and the role of the library in the community continues to evolve, is lending other things the way ahead?

Writing in the Sacramento Business Journal, Sonya Sorich reports on the public consultation underway in one US library system that may see the library offering sewing machines for loan.

She writes: 'Sacramento Public Library is seeking public input for the creation of a "Library of Things" - a system that would allow patrons to borrow an expanded list of items other than books. The library already offers some non-media items, ranging from electronic readers to energy meters, that patrons can borrow. But the Library of Things would create even more options.'

Suggestions include items such as sewing machines, wearable fitness trackers and design software.

The project is supported by the US Institute of Museum and Library Services and is an extension of Outside the Lines, a national campaign 'to reintroduce people to their local libraries and expand ideas of what a library can be'.

She writes: 'Sacramento Public Library is seeking public input for the creation of a "Library of Things" - a system that would allow patrons to borrow an expanded list of items other than books. The library already offers some non-media items, ranging from electronic readers to energy meters, that patrons can borrow. But the Library of Things would create even more options.'

Suggestions include items such as sewing machines, wearable fitness trackers and design software.

The project is supported by the US Institute of Museum and Library Services and is an extension of Outside the Lines, a national campaign "to reintroduce people to their local libraries and expand ideas of what a library can be".